Andy Tanner is no stranger to the New Orleans Saints. For the past three years, Tanner has been a member of the team's practice squad, repeatedly waived, cut and signed to a reserve/future deal. In all, he has been a part of 33 roster moves. This past offseason, Tanner returned to Midwestern State to earn a degree in accounting, just in case he has to plan for life after football. During Saints minicamp last week, we asked Tanner about the grind of trying to earn a roster spot and his plan in case things don't work out.

The team keeps bringing you back. Why do you think that is?

I've shown them that I'm a smart player, offensively and on special teams. I know the playbook and I can make plays, and that's what they're looking for -- people to make plays.

There's a lot of competition amongst the wide receivers, especially among the younger guys.

It's always been a competition ... since Day 1. They'll plug you in and the more spots you can do, (the better). You've just got to get in there, get more plays. It's all about competing.

What about the veterans - Marques Colston, Robert Meachem. Do you ever pick their brains?

Yeah, I mean I always ask Marques and them questions -- how did this route look? What did you see out there? What coverage did you see? Is that what you would've done. Those guys are great.

You talked about your work to get on special teams. What do you do specifically to impress the coaches?

Cover kicks, return kicks, block punts -- basically anything I can. I just show them I can get off a jam as a gunner, break through the line as a punt blocker, show them you can catch a ball and feel good about it.

This offseason you went back to get your accounting degree. Why?

It was just time. Unfortunately, we had a shorter playoff run than I expected, and it ended up they (Midwestern State) were offering all the classes I needed to graduate, so I decided to go back and get it over with.

How do you balance getting your degree and professional football career?

It's a little tough. You've got to balance working out and school at the same time. It wasn't too hard for me. I got my workout in as I was studying.